Lahore Qalandars’ opening batter Fakhar Zaman has formally challenged his two-match suspension following a ball-tampering incident during his team’s Pakistan Super League (PSL) clash with Karachi Kings, sources confirmed on Wednesday.
According to reports, Fakhar has submitted an appeal against the decision to the PSL Technical Committee, seeking a review of the ruling.
Details of the Incident
Fakhar was charged with a Level 3 offence under Article 2.14 of the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, for allegedly breaching Article 41.3 of the playing conditions. The regulation strictly prohibits any action that alters the condition of the ball, including scratching, roughening, or applying artificial substances.
The incident occurred on March 29 during the Qalandars’ match against the Kings at Gaddafi Stadium. A brief on-field discussion took place between Fakhar, Lahore captain Shaheen Shah Afridi, and fast bowler Haris Rauf, during which Fakhar and Rauf were seen passing the ball between them before it was examined by the umpires.
Following consultation, umpires Shahid Saikat and Faisal Khan Aafreedi, along with TV umpire Asif Yaqoob and fourth umpire Tariq Rasheed, imposed a five-run penalty on Lahore and ordered a ball replacement. The penalty proved decisive as Abbas Afridi hit a four and a six to secure a four-wicket victory for Karachi Kings with three balls to spare.
PSL 11: Fakhar Zaman Banned for Two Matches Over Ball Tampering
Disciplinary Proceedings
Fakhar, 35, denied any wrongdoing and requested a full disciplinary hearing, which was conducted by Match Referee Roshan Mahanama. During the proceedings, all available evidence was reviewed, and Fakhar was given a personal hearing. Present at the hearing were Shaheen Shah Afridi, team director Sameen Rana, and team manager Farooq Anwar.
Under PCB rules, a Level 3 offence carries a one- to two-match ban, with the opportunity to appeal to the PSL Technical Committee within 48 hours of the referee’s written decision.
Impact on Upcoming Matches
As a result of the suspension, Fakhar will miss Lahore Qalandars’ upcoming PSL fixtures:
- April 3: Lahore Qalandars vs Multan Sultans in Lahore
- April 9: Lahore Qalandars vs Islamabad United in Karachi
The appeal now places Fakhar’s participation in these matches under review, pending the Technical Committee’s final decision.
